With 2012 just days away from ending, we can only hope that 2013 will have as many exciting new cars as this year did. Here is a gallery of 22 cars that made a good first impression. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Say goodbye to the 3-Series coupe and hello to the 4-Series. There is no information on engine choices, but it will most likely use engines from the 3-Series sedan. With a nice, sleek design, the 4-Series looks set to be a big seller, and this week's standout car.

The Citroen C6 has always come off as a peculiar car since it was introduced seven years ago – very stylish, unique in its appeal, very French, but not much of a big seller. In fact the C6’s days on the showroom floor are nearly over.

Even for a European resident the C6 remains a rare sight indeed, until I travelled to Paris a few weeks ago – C6s are everywhere. Spend a little bit of time in central Paris and you will see a couple dozen of them from morning to evening, rather than one every other month like elsewhere in Europe. Obviously, being French-made makes it a common sight, and a default fleet choice for the French government. But it’s not only the government that uses them: taxi drivers, chauffeuring services, as well as embassies seem to be loyal Citroen customers. So, if you like, the Citroen C6 is France’s Lincoln Town Car – a few people buy them, but they’re mostly seen in some kind of fleet service.

One of the biggest names in the world of hot rod wagons has made a return – the Audi RS6.

Although the new RS6 has fewer cylinders and less horsepower than its V10-engined predecessor, it still comes with a respectable 560hp from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Torque is rated at 700Nm (516 lb ft), which is available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm. There is also a sporty exhaust system which becomes louder at the touch of a button, while an even throatier exhaust system is available as an optional extra.